Georgia Deguara here; long time reader, first time ringing in. I’m scrawling together this article on the Edinburgh Fringe front, and in true Frantic Festival Fashion, am quite late in getting it in.
In fact, probably by the time you read this, it’ll all be over. Another huge month of performing, flyering, wringing your heart out, dodging reviewers, and smashing pints, all while answering emails; DONE.
Though this isn’t my first Fringe Rodeo, I am breaking my UK seal in not-so-sunny Scotland. I feel as though I’ve had a lifetime of hearing about ‘The Biggest Fringe Festival in the World,’ and the bravery associated with bringing your work onto this particular international stage. I perceived Edinburgh as a huge trophy to win; an opportunity to prove your artistic merit. Even though there’s something like 4000 shows in a 30min walking radius and a festival guide book so huge I use it as a doorstop; Edinburgh isn’t the monster that I thought would haunt my International Debut.
Us girls from YUCK Circus were not expecting to be over here any time soon. Premiering our tour in January with WA Circus Festival; Edinburgh seemed like a long-term dream. I had no plans for our company past March with Adelaide Fringe, so to be standing here on the cobblestones of this ancient city a couple of months later is surreal. It came with huge financial risk; seven girls from regional, remote, and isolated Australia giving the UK a crack. To make it feasible for us we joined together a thicker tour; Headlining Glastonbury in June, chucking some one-off gigs in London, and producing our own stand-alone show in Belfast.
The whole time we’ve been fronting our own costs, and managing our own tour. The bottom line is; we love our show and work bloody hard to share our message. We were stoked to find out the Edinburgh was thirsty for Australian work, and that there was a solid reputation from legends that paved the way for us.
This festival is not a slice of Pavlova, though joy is to be found within our Circus Community. 6 out of 10 shows in the Circus Hub are Australian this year, plus a stack more spread out into other venues and genres. I’ve heard a multitude of responses for this Aussie infusion, but I can tell you now that our influence is the word on everybody’s lips. Whilst I was nabbing the last of the coffee and sangas from a Production Meeting, I had an Awards Judge thank me for bringing our work over as she believes “Australian Circus has saved that genre.” I’ve got no idea what she means, or whether to be proud or offended. It does make me wonder why we’ve got the spotlight, and where is everybody else?
What I’ve taken away from this experience is that though there is a united ‘Cry of Outrage and Injustice’ from Artists against the consumerist Fringe machine; We are still so privileged to use our art form as a tool to travel, communicate, and connect.
It’s a bloody good feeling to know that the work from our island across the sea is respected
and celebrated. Makes the 30hour flight and onslaught of aeroplane meals worth it.
Georgia x
YUCK Circus are performing at:
Sydney Fringe Festival 1 – 4 Sept
Melbourne Fringe Festival in the Melba Spiegeltent – 19 – 28 Sept
GEORGIA DEGUARA
Growing up in the isolated coastal town of Broome, there wasn’t much to do apart from join the local circus! I began training at Theatre Kimberley’s Sandfly Circus at the age of 11, and haven’t stopped since. Director of all-female acrobatic group YUCK Circus and 2018 graduate of NICA; I strive to create exciting work in the industry, and to use my knowledge to inspire the next generation of artists.
Follow Georgia’s Photography on Instagram at @georgiad_media
YUCK Circus
We’re a 7-strong crew of elite acrobatic gals, ready flip off double-standards and kick art in the face. We’re not lightly throwing around women’s issues – we’re literally throwing women.
YUCK is active in providing accessibility for the masses through dedicated artistic development and inclusive dialogues around gender and national identity. We address these topics with light and entertainment, creating a safe and engaging platform to have some uncomfortable but educated chats.
Us at YUCK come from regional, remote, and isolated towns from all corners of Australia and are passionate about sharing our work and strengthening communities. We want to meet locals, we want to affect towns, and we want to be your mates. Our careers have been founded in experiences like this, and it’s our company goal to keep that wheel turning.
Follow YUCK Circus on the socials:
Instagram – @yuck_circus
Facebook – @YUCKcircus
Check out their Website for more info.
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We acknowledge the people of the Bundjalung Nation, traditional custodians of the land on which this Magazine originates and pay our respects to their elders past, present and future.
The way we do things around here is that regardless of Age, Gender, Sexuality, Ethnicity our philosophy and our logo stands for inclusion, safety, connection and family.
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